This is a report on a visit to the beginnings of a market garden, initiated by a group of 12 ladies. We are supporting their efforts.

Vinho Ladies Farm Visit (8^th April 2008)

These Ladies have begun an initiative growing vegetables using Organic Farming Practices. Not all of the participants were present.

Our mission today was to assist this Cooperative transplant tomato seedlings, from the nursery into the machamba. Pictured with the ladies are from left; the Vinho Agricultural Extension Worker, Rosa and a gentleman (who’s name I neglected to note) who is also advising them how to farm organically.

The seed beds (nursery) planted by the ladies. Crops included are tomatos, Lettuce, Cabbage and Onions. The tomato seedlings are ready for transplanting.

One of the beds of tomato seedlings; note the corner (bottom left) from where we had already taken seedlings and planted them out into the prepared field.

Tomato plants that have been transplanted into a well mulched field.

Applying mulch in the field being prepared for tomatos. The grass being used as mulch was cut down to clear a new field for the tomatos.

On the left is a bed of lettuce seedlings, right is a bed of cabbage seedlings and bottom a bed of onion seedlings.

The cabbage seedlings are being destroyed by pests. We have organised spraying using a nicotine infusion, made from old cigarette butts (of which I have many). As a back-up, I am purchasing a ‘green’ pesticide to use in the interim, until we have the IPM program up and running.

Summary

The visit went well, but we only transplanted a small number of plants because it was so hot and the seedlings were being stressed. Ideally, transplanting must be done early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are lower. The ladies still have a large area to prepare as they have enough tomato seedlings for nearly a hectare, never mind the area needed for the other vegetables.

We also advised them to bring ash from their fires at home and apply the ash in small quantities to each tomato plant. We have told them we will get some pigeon or cow pea seed to interplant with the vegetables and some pumpkin and watermelon seed to provide some living ground cover.

We will visit again on Thursday afternoon.

Grant Norvall

8^th April 2008